How to Clean Your Lampshade Like a Pro

Before you toss out that dusty, dirty old lampshade, try giving it a good old fashioned cleaning.

I was looking at my lampshades the other day and couldn’t help but notice how dingy they were looking. I dust them frequently but they have never been cleaned. I originally purchased white shades, but the color that I’m seeing now is more of a ecru or light beige, they definitely need a good cleaning.

It might sound a little funny, but I love my lampshades, it took me a lot of time to find the perfect ones, so I was a little nervous thinking of cleaning them myself. As with any good DIYer, I went to the internet for the preferred method, I discovered several.  That didn’t make me so feel good, what if one of them ruined my beloved lampshades. I decided it was time to consult the professionals and I’m happy I did. 

CLEANING TIPS FROM THE PROS

Remove the loose dust. That vacuum attachment that looks like a brush is perfect for this. If you don’t have that attachment, you could try using a microfiber cloth or a lint roller.

Cleaning the dirt. Fill the bathtub with warm water and mix in a 1/4 cup of laundry detergent. For whiter shades try using laundry detergent with bleach. To loosen the dirt, place the lampshade into the water and allow it to soak for 15-30 minutes. Using a sponge, wipe the dirt away, working from top to bottom with the soapy water. For tough stains, use a soft bristled brush. Rinse the shade by dipping into a tub of warm clean water.

Drying. Using an absorbent towel, blot away the extra water. If it’s a sunny day you can place it outdoors, or you could place it in front of a fan, just be sure to set it on a clean towel so it doesn’t get soiled. Once it is completely dry it will be safe to attach the lampshade to it’s base.

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